Breast milk found to contain over 100 ingredients absent in formula

This news comes amid a renewed push by the Sharjah Baby Friendly Emirate Campaign to instill a deeper appreciation of the advantages of breast milk when compared to formula. Considering that approximately 40% of women in Sharjah resort to formula upon their return to work, the research findings could motivate such mothers to think twice before embarking on the artificial route.

Among its numerous advantages, breast milk is enriched with antibodies that can be mobilized as a defense 'army' to safeguard the baby's immune system. This is crucial because during infancy, the baby's immune system is extremely vulnerable and has not yet learned to stand on its own two feet.

Proponents of artificial milk have made the counter-argument that formula contains a different percentage of protein than that found in human milk. While this is technically true, it overlooks the fact that the protein in breast milk is more easily digested by babies. Therefore the higher protein content of formula is only an advantage on paper, because in practice some of those proteins are only partially digested by the baby's fragile enzymes.

The above scenario is replayed when it comes to minerals like iron. Although formula boasts a higher mineral content compared to breast milk, the minerals in formula are harder for the baby to digest. Unfortunately, this shifts the balance of power regarding stomach bacteria, which could cause digestive complications.

Dr Hessa Khalfan Al Ghazal, Director of the Executive Committee for the Sharjah Baby Friendly Emirate Campaign, weighed in on the debate: "Our role is not to criticize artificial milk for the sake of being negative, but to constructively point out what is best for the baby. The undisputed facts show beyond a doubt that breast milk is vastly superior in virtually every vital area."

Citing a specific example, Dr Al Ghazal explained, "When it comes to carbohydrate content, breast milk triumphs over formula. It also comes out on top when comparing lactose levels. This lactose superiority is a double-sided advantage, because research has conclusively proved that lactose contributes to the development of a larger brain. This makes breast milk a "smarter" choice - both literally and figuratively."

The Sharjah Baby Friendly Emirate Campaign was initiated in March this year, under the generous patronage of Her Highness Sheikha Budoor bint Sultan Al Qassimi, Chairperson of the Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq), President of the Campaign and Honorary President of the Breastfeeding Friends Association. Sharjah Baby Friendly Emirate Campaign is sponsored by Sharjah Islamic Bank.